As a result of running the most comprehensive and enthusiastic TRY New Zealand campaign, Corks Out has been announced as the overall winner of the New Zealand Independent Wine Retailer Competition 2011.
All the finalists were invited to an awards lunch in London on Tuesday, 27th September, where the menu was matched to a range of wines from the cellars of the New Zealand High Commission.
This year's campaign was called 'TRY New Zealand' and was rugby themed in order to build awareness of New Zealand wines in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup and the top prize is an all expenses paid buying trip to New Zealand in 2012.
David Cox, Director of New Zealand Winegrowers commented, "Each year when the judges come to assess the results they are hugely impressed with the ingenuity and inventiveness that many of the UK's independent retailers put behind promoting New Zealand wines.
"Although the standard was again very high, nonetheless, the work of Ruth Yates and the Corks Out team tipped the scales for the judges and they were deemed worthy winners. It was the first time that they had participated and not only did Corks Out embrace a wide spectrum of innovative tactics and mechanics to promote their impressive NZ wine range but they also took the opportunity to take on 21 additional wines an impressive effort."
Ruth Yates, founder of Corks Out, said "We were amazed to win, what a fantastic accolade. And it just shows that there is a lot more to New Zealand than just Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. I am excited about the buying trip, which will help Corks Out to become specialists in this field."
September has been a fantastic month for Corks Out, this latest accolade follows winning the top award at the International Wine Challenge and 3 local awards at the Warrington Business Awards.
Photo: David Cox (right), Head of Wines of New Zealand, presents the award to Richard and Ruth.
